Father John Doran

John Doran Catholic Priest Diocese of Providence

Ordained: 1950

Status: Accused

Deceased: 1992

Assignment History

1950: St. Clare Church (Misquamicut, RI)
1950-1954: Sacred Heart Church (East Providence, RI)
1954-1955: St. Rita Church (Warwick, RI)
1955-1960: Blessed Sacrament Church (Providence, RI)
1957: Veterans Hospital (Providence, RI), part-time
1960-1968: St. Patrick Church (Providence, RI)
1968-1969: St. Timothy Church (Warwick, RI)
1969-1971: St. Leo the Great Church (Pawtucket, RI)
1971-1976: St. Mary Church (Providence, RI)
1976-1992: St. Martha Church (East Providence, RI)
1992: Retired

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father John Doran

Father John Doran was ordained a priest in 1950 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island for more than four decades. He served at several Rhode Island parishes, including St. Patrick Church in Providence, St. Leo the Great Church in Pawtucket, St. Mary Church in Providence, and St. Martha Church in East Providence.

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy, Doran has been identified as credibly accused of child sexual misconduct.

According to BishopAccountability.org, Doran was publicly named as accused in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report. BishopAccountability.org also notes that Doran died on June 1, 1992.

Allegations Against Father John Doran at St. Patrick Church

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, a man reported to the Diocese of Providence in 2002 that Doran sexually abused him multiple times when he was an 11- or 12-year-old altar boy at St. Patrick Church in Providence around 1962.

The complainant reportedly gave the Diocese a detailed description of the gym at St. Patrick Church, where one of the alleged incidents occurred. He also told the Diocese that he suspected other altar boys may have been abused by Doran.

When the complainant asked whether any other complaints had been made against Doran, he was reportedly told that this could not be determined because Doran’s confidential personnel file had been destroyed after his death in 1992.

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s report, there was no indication that the Diocese contacted the potential witness identified by the complainant, referred the allegation to law enforcement, or presented the matter to its Review Board.

Doran was included in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence. Based on the available source information, he does not appear to be included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Father John Doran

Can I sue for sexual abuse by a priest in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island’s new two-year revival window, beginning July 1, 2026, allows survivors of child sexual abuse to file claims that were previously blocked by the statute of limitations. You can bring a claim during this two-year window regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. Because there is a deadline to file your claim, survivors should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

How long do I have to sue for sexual abuse in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island’s new law creates a two-year window for certain older child sexual abuse claims beginning July 1, 2026. Claims must be filed by June 30, 2028. Survivors should not wait, because it may be necessary to gather relevant documents, investigate the claim, and determine the appropriate parties to sue.

Can the Diocese of Providence be sued for my sexual abuse by a priest?

Possibly. Survivors may have claims against the Diocese of Providence or another Catholic institution, including parishes and schools, if there is evidence that the institution knew or should have known about the risk of abuse and failed to protect children. Horowitz Law attorneys can review the facts of your case and explain your legal options.

Was Father John Doran listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?

Based on the available source information, no. Father John Doran was included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy and in the Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence, but he does not appear to be included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor.

Rhode Island Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Rhode Island’s new law creates a two-year revival window, beginning July 1, 2026, for certain older child sexual abuse claims. Horowitz Law is bringing these lawsuits in Rhode Island and has collected evidence of the Diocese of Providence’s negligence. The revival window allows survivors of clergy sexual abuse to pursue claims that were previously blocked by the statute of limitations. Filing deadlines will apply, so survivors should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Horowitz Law Is Here to Help

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Providence. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest or clergy member in Rhode Island, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Providence may have legal options due to Rhode Island’s new two-year revival window for certain child sexual abuse claims, but filing deadlines will apply, so do not delay in reaching out to us.

Father John Doran – Diocese of Providence